They also get referred to their “partner” lenders who charge an arm and a leg—3+ points for a client with an 800+ credit score for hard money.

. - I've got two guys I refer out that cover nw sides of Chicago. 

It’s not perfect, but it gives you some protection.Bottom line — you’re not wrong to avoid cosigning on a collective loan, and if your HOA attorney is sharp, they can absolutely structure a dual-track solution so people who want to pay upfront can do so and avoid the financing drag.If you want a reference point, tell the board to ask their lender about a “segmented special assessment loan” — that’s the term most banks use for this kind of split structure.

If your goal is to sell the house, focus on number sold, if your goal is to be hand held through the process ask for references. 

If it's filing bankruptcy to save the house, I refer them to an attorney, but to say they didn't know, that's an insult.

I also have a couple great agents I can refer you to as well, if needed. 

The contingencies would be asking for a co-signer and checking landlord references. 

But rushing the process can lead to costly mistakes.Do you rely on screening software, references, or in-person interviews?

In regards to the two items you noted:1) The unilateral decisions referenced was an open question for a member of the community hopefully with a legal background to opine because I said I did not have one. 2) The comment regarding "closer to a ponzi scheme" is in reference to the practice of claiming positive financial leverage on loans that have an interest rate falsely giving the illusion of positive leverage because interest has been prepaid either through a buydown or a lower than market interest rate cap.

Before evaluating syndication capital raising practices, it's helpful to clarify which category you’re referring to because the capital-raising strategies, deal structures, and control dynamics differ dramatically.